Python Programming Tutorial Notes

Introduction

• The tutorial is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Python or programming.
• Focuses on programming for data science, machine learning, and web development.
• Instructor: Mosh Hamadani.

What You Can Do with Python

• Machine Learning and AI: Python is the leading language for these fields.
• Web Development: Use frameworks like Django; notable websites include YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Dropbox, Pinterest.
• Automation: Simplify repetitive tasks to save time.

Setup Instructions

1. Download Python

   • Visit python.org.
   • Choose the latest version from the downloads section.
   • Important: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

2. Install a Code Editor

   • Recommended: PyCharm (available at jetbrains.com).
   • Choose Community Edition (free).
   • Follow installation instructions based on OS.

3. Create a New Project in PyCharm

   • Name your project and confirm its location.
   • Right-click to create a new Python file for coding.

Your First Python Program

• Writing "Hello, World!" in Python:

  print("Hello, World!")
  

• To run the code: Go to Run > Run or use a shortcut.

Variables

• Definition: Used to store data temporarily in memory.
• Example of declaring a variable:

  age = 20
  

• To print a variable's value:

  print(age)
  

• Types of Variables:
  • Integer: whole numbers (e.g., age)
  • Float: numbers with decimals (e.g., price = 19.95)
  • String: textual data (e.g., name = "Mosh")
  • Boolean: True or False (e.g., is_online = True)

User Input

• Using the input() function:

  name = input("What is your name? ")
  print("Hello " + name)
  

Data Types

1. Primitive Types:

   • Numbers (Integers and Floats)
   • Strings
   • Booleans

2. Type Conversion:

   • Use functions like int(), float(), str() to convert between types.

Arithmetic Operations

• Basic operators: +, -, *, /, // (integer division), % (modulus), ** (exponentiation).
• Operator precedence: Multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.

Comparison Operators

• Common operators: >, >=, <, <=, ==, !=

Logical Operators

• Combine boolean expressions:
  • and: true if both are true.
  • or: true if at least one is true.
  • not: reverses the boolean value.

Conditionals (If Statements)

• Basic structure to make decisions:

  if temperature > 30:
      print("It's a hot day")
  elif temperature > 20:
      print("It's a nice day")
  else:
      print("It's a cold day")
  

Loops

1. While Loop: Repeat a block of code while a condition is true.

   while i <= 5:
       print(i)
       i += 1
   

2. For Loop: Iterate over a sequence (such as a list):

   for item in list:
       print(item)
   

Lists

• Declare a list using square brackets:

  names = ["John", "Bob", "Mary"]
  

• Access elements using indexes.
• Common methods: append(), insert(), remove(), clear(), len().

Range Function

• Generates a sequence of numbers:

  for number in range(5):
      print(number)
  

Tuples

• Similar to lists but immutable:

  numbers = (1, 2, 3)
  

• Cannot change elements after creation.

Exercise Sections

• Several hands-on exercises are included to practice concepts.

Additional Resources

• Consider enrolling in Mosh's online Python course at codewoodmosh.com, which includes more comprehensive training and a certificate of completion.

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Note: Review each section in detail for deeper understanding, especially coding examples and functions mentioned.
Ask questions if anything is unclear as you learn!